A West End sports club is appealing for ‘guide runners’ to help visually-impaired athletes.
Victoria Park Athletics Club wants to improve accessibility for people who face barriers in sport.
The club cites research which shows only 20% of people with disabilities meet the recommended level of physical activity, despite four in five people expressing a desire to engage in sports.
The athletics club says it is dedicated to changing this statistic by making sports more accessible and inclusive.
Strides
The club's jogscotland group, Victoria Park Road Runners, has already taken substantial strides in this direction with 14 Jog Leaders already trained.
![Victoria Park Athletics Club wants to improve accessibility](siteimages/October-2023/resized/368040847_10232021382865809_4070557771431573505_n-900.jpg)
However, the club says it is committed to expanding these efforts and welcoming more guide runners into their community.
Guide running involves assisting visually-impaired runners in reaching their athletic potential, ensuring they can fully participate in running activities.
By doing so, the club aims to promote an inclusive approach to the sport, welcoming athletes of all abilities and providing a supportive environment for everyone.
We are thrilled to embark on this journey of inclusivity by inviting individuals from our community to become Guide Runners.
Mark Ashby
Mark Ashby, the club’s road running coach, said: "We are thrilled to embark on this journey of inclusivity by inviting individuals from our community to become Guide Runners.
“Practical training will be provided and this is an opportunity to be part of something meaningful, to help visually impaired athletes discover the joy of running and staying active.
“We want to create a supportive and welcoming environment for all, regardless of their ability."
!['We want to create a supportive and welcoming environment for all, regardless of their ability.'](siteimages/October-2023/resized/369633135_1758084231277224_8212254795751077979_n-900.jpg)
Membership to the club is available for £25 per year, with the first month offered free.
For more information about Victoria Park Athletics Club and its commitment to inclusivity, please visit www.vp-glasgow.com.